Looking back, what did I overlook?
In the summer of 2018, upon graduating with a Bachelor of Law from the University of Liverpool, I was poised to return to Canada to embark on the path to practicing law in Ontario. However, instead of delving into the regulations and timelines, I found myself basking in the warm English sunshine and reveling in the World Cup celebrations.
Once back in Canada, reality set in, and the need to chart a course became apparent. The first step was to understand the National Accreditation Committee (NCA) and navigate the process of successfully passing the NCA exams. Regrettably, my initial plan was met with unexpected obstacles.
The NCA evaluates the legal education and professional background of internationally trained candidates to decide what they must complete to meet Canadian legal education standards. My law degree was expedited, courtesy of a prior graduate degree from a Canadian university. The NCA's assessment considers various aspects such as the nature of the law degree, the mode of course delivery—whether in-person or online—and the grading system. My assessment dictated that I complete five mandatory exams and had the option of two additional ones.
Here's a piece of advice: Stay informed about the NCA's regulations and deadlines
It’s crucial to regularly check your portal and their website for the latest rules and updates. Notably, the administration of the exams has shifted to an online format since the pandemic. My own NCA exams were completed in 2019. At that time, the exams were scheduled for four in-person sessions per year. Each session offered five exams, which were:
- Canadian Administrative Law
- Canadian Constitutional Law
- Canadian Criminal Law
- Canadian Professional Responsibility
- Foundations of Canadian Law
The choice of which exams to take depends on the specific session you're enrolled in and the exams available at that time. It's imperative to register for your desired tests well ahead of the deadline.
By the end of my tenure at law school, I found my confidence in taking tests had waned—I had never encountered an open-book exam during my studies. Therefore, I cautiously opted to sit for only one NCA exam initially, beset by concerns about the preparation process and my potential for success. The uncertainty gave rise to a cascade of self-doubt. However, once I began the exam and read the first question, my confidence gradually returned; I realized I knew how to locate the necessary information and conduct a thorough analysis for the answers.
Having navigated my first NCA exam, I gained the assurance to tackle two exams in each of the following three sessions. It's worth noting that approaches vary widely; I've conversed with peers who, even amidst full-time employment, managed to pass five exams in one go. My own strategy was influenced by multiple factors: the cost of the exams, the time I could allocate for preparation, and the need to maintain a personal life balance.
My approach to the exams was shaped by my circumstances at the time—unemployment granted me the luxury of more study time. Organizing my days became a crucial concern, as I soon discovered the monotony and exhaustion of self-study. Preparing for an open-book exam required a distinct set of strategies, and the stress and anxiety of adapting my study habits weighed heavily on me. Ultimately, I chose to recalibrate and learn more effective study methods for the open-book format before proceeding further.
Preparing procedures: my self-learning journey
Since I made the decision to change my habits around studying, I had to be open minded to learning different techniques on how to write an open book exam and time management. In law school during exam season, I would study at night and sleep during the day; but I found myself being exhausted all the time when I lacked structure in my learning. My first step was to research what self-study strategies are effective and choose what would work for me.
I began with the NCA website; under Resources they have a guideline called “How to Answer Fact Based Law Exam Questions”; this explained IRAC, and introduced me to other general test-taking advice. This guideline also mentioned time management and reasoning skills which made me question “How can I organize my time efficiently?” I wanted to structure my day and the advice from the website wasn’t enough.
There are great channels that speak on the NCA process and how to prepare. Here are some recent examples below:
I've always found it beneficial to learn from the experiences of others who have navigated the NCA process and exams, especially since I knew few people undergoing the same journey. Preparing for these exams is a departure from traditional law school learning. Self-study was a skill I had to develop independently since my educational background had always involved direct instruction from educators on new topics and subjects. To adapt, I turned to YouTube videos, Facebook groups, and Google searches to gather insights and strategies that proved effective for other candidates. This research made me feel less alone, understanding that others shared my experiences and that it was okay not to have everything figured out from the start.
I encountered numerous tips that significantly boosted my study efficiency and time management. For instance, as a slow typist, it was impractical for me to type out notes.
However, I discovered through a simple Google search that I could purchase study notes. I then customized these notes to my preference, organizing materials and emphasizing key aspects of case judgments pertinent to application. This strategy of acquiring and tailoring notes was a timesaver, allowing me to concentrate on the essential content. A word of caution: when purchasing study materials, be discerning—not all notes are of high quality, and I never relied solely on them for my preparation.
My method involved a thorough review of the topics outlined by the NCA, along with the requisite case law and academic writings. I would repeatedly go over the main themes or sections in the syllabus for each topic. Given the diversity in structure, each outline required a different level of legal analysis. Some were case law intensive, while others leaned towards philosophical discussions. Certain outlines, like that for administrative law, provided specific tests and directed you to the precise text and paragraphs, whereas others, such as Professional Responsibility, outlined pertinent issues and essential readings.
Here are some of the resources I used:
I diligently reviewed the sample exams available on the NCA’s website, which were instrumental in understanding the exam's structure. This understanding was crucial for organizing my notes and determining which areas warranted additional study time. For instance, I delved into the optional readings for the Foundations of Canadian Law exam, identifying those that critiqued or supported the subject matter. I would then integrate and highlight pertinent points into my notes to reference in my exam answers.
With a mixture of nerves and determination, I crafted a study schedule, feeling sufficiently prepared for the challenge ahead. Self-study required me to allow for flexibility, including the potential need for external support. I tracked my progress on a calendar and adjusted as needed, ensuring I stayed on top of my reading list. The resources proved invaluable whenever I encountered confusion regarding any topic. Often, the majority opinions in law firm critiques would elucidate the subject more clearly than the textbooks, enhancing my case reading skills and enabling me to spotlight vital points for quick reference during the exam.
If comprehension of a case remained elusive, I first turned to summaries or opinion pieces on CanLii Connects authored by legal firms or experts. Supreme Court cases typically offer a richer tapestry of expert analysis compared to lower courts. These overviews were particularly helpful for grasping complex judgments. When a case brief pinpointed specific paragraphs pertaining to key concepts or issues, I could focus my efforts more efficiently.
Here's another tip: Practice, practice, and practice even more
In law school, I didn't always allocate time for practicing exams in advance, sometimes relying instead on sheer will—going into exams "with my heart." Recognizing the importance of preparation, especially for the NCA exams, I prioritized timed practice tests about a week before the actual exam. This was to hone my ability to apply knowledge under exam conditions, an area where I had previously struggled. Each night, I would review my answers, identify any gaps, and refine my notes for more precise responses.
Feedback on your practice answers can be an invaluable asset. Heeding advice from other candidates, I acknowledged the Foundations exam's complexity due to its broad scope. Opting for a prep course at York University, I sought structured feedback from an instructor. Their critique of my initial responses—which lacked focus on judicial independence—underscored the importance of carefully reading questions and connecting them to the syllabus readings. This feedback was pivotal in enhancing my reading comprehension skills.
Below are the resources that I utilized:
Conclusion
The NCA process is daunting but doable. Everyone has their own journey to be successful with the exam. I viewed the obstacles as pivots instead of barriers.
Here’s what I learned…
- I discovered that I like learning from others and customizing their advice to my own study/process.
- Find out what study methods work for you and be flexible.
- You may take different approaches for different exams.
- Take your time but be aware of deadlines.
- It’s okay to reach out for help because you’re not going to know everything.
About the author
Nancy Bediako graduated from the University of Liverpool and completed the NCA process. Currently, a licensing candidate and policy analyst working on funding reform for adult developmental services. Accountability and transparency sparked my interest in the law. As the Chair of the student section, advocating for diversity, inclusion and accessible mental health services are key goals for this year.
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